To clarify the relationship of the sound fields between the pit and the stage, we conducted acoustical measurements
in a typical historical opera house, the “Teatro Comunale” in Ferrara, Italy. Based on the theory of subjective
preference in the sound field, orthogonal factors and other related factors were analysed. First, the sound
fields for a singer on the stage in relation to the musicians in the pit were analysed. Second, the sound fields for
performers in the orchestra pit in relation to the singers on the stage were considered. Finally, the sound fields
for the conductor in the orchestra pit in relation to the musicians in the orchestra pit and the singers on the stage
were investigated. Because physical factors vary depending on the location of the sound source, performers can
move on the stage or in the pit to find the preferred sound field. Also the conductor can rearrange musicians for
the performance. Our results provide valuable information for designing the stage and orchestra pit inside opera
houses

To clarify the relationship of the sound fields between the pit and the stage, we conducted acoustical measurements
in a typical historical opera house, the “Teatro Comunale” in Ferrara, Italy. Based on the theory of subjective
preference in the sound field, orthogonal factors and other related factors were analysed. First, the sound
fields for a singer on the stage in relation to the musicians in the pit were analysed. Second, the sound fields for
performers in the orchestra pit in relation to the singers on the stage were considered. Finally, the sound fields
for the conductor in the orchestra pit in relation to the musicians in the orchestra pit and the singers on the stage
were investigated. Because physical factors vary depending on the location of the sound source, performers can
move on the stage or in the pit to find the preferred sound field. Also the conductor can rearrange musicians for
the performance. Our results provide valuable information for designing the stage and orchestra pit inside opera
houses